09/06/2025
🌟 The Power of Leading by Example
“Kids will follow your example instead of your advice.”
This profound truth reminds us that children are constantly observing and learning from the adults in their lives. Their eyes miss nothing, their ears catch even whispers, and their hearts look to us for guidance and inspiration.
Henry George once said, “Let no man imagine that he has no influence.” Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, or neighbor, your actions shape the values and behaviors of the children who look up to you.
👀 What Lesson Are You Teaching?
You may not realize it, but your everyday behavior is teaching your child about life. From the way you drive to the tone of your voice, every choice you make leaves an imprint.
For most children, the most significant role models are those who are consistently present in their lives. These role models—whether family, educators, or community leaders—help children navigate challenges, build relationships, and make decisions.
Children absorb not just our words but also our attitudes, behaviors, and values. They notice:
1.How we handle stress
2.How we resolve conflicts
3.How we treat others
Through observation, they learn compassion, generosity, prejudices, and integrity. The patterns we model set the foundation for how they believe life should be lived.
🚫 “Do As I Say, Not As I Do” Doesn’t Work
Children have a remarkable ability to spot hypocrisy. Saying “Do as I say, not as I do” will never be as effective as showing them consistency between your actions and values.
Adults who practice what they preach are the most beneficial to children.
Want them to spend less time on screens? Limit your screen time.
Do you hope they will be kind? Practice kindness in your own actions.
Kids don’t need perfection—but they do need authenticity. Modeling accountability, resilience, and empathy equips them with tools to live with integrity.
📖 A Hard Lesson Learned
I’ve learned this through personal experience. Sometimes, I didn't realize how closely people were watching me. There were moments when my words and actions didn’t align—and the disconnect was not lost on the little eyes watching me.
Those moments were humbling. They reminded me of the power of self-awareness and intentionality. Children learn from what we do, not just what we say.
Every day, they encourage us to strive for excellence, not just for our own benefit but also for their own.
💡 In Closing
As you go about your day, remember: you are shaping a child’s worldview.
Be the example you want them to follow. Show them how to handle life with grace, kindness, and integrity. The lessons you live will become the foundation of the values they carry with them for a lifetime.
✨ “Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.”
